Spring-Loaded Conveyor Guide Rail Attachment for Fast T-Slot Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing conveyor systems face challenges in efficiently and easily attaching and adjusting guide rails and sensors due to the complexity of current attachment methods, which often require manual adjustment and are not adaptable to varying product sizes or configurations.
Innovation Solution
A conveyor beam attachment with spring-loaded catches that engage a T-slot in the conveyor beam, allowing easy attachment and removal, and adjustable vertical and horizontal rods for precise positioning of components like guide rails and sensors, using spring-loaded protrusions and adjustment buttons for secure locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional guide rail attachment methods using screws, T-nuts, and grooves are used, then the guide rail can be securely attached to the conveyor beam, but the installation and adjustment process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment device is divided into distinct functional segments: a clamp body with multiple spring-loaded catches, each catch having a nose that engages with the T-slot flanges. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall attachment process while maintaining security
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates the need for separate fastening components like T-nuts and multiple screws. The spring-loaded catches integrate the clamping and fastening functions into a single device, removing unnecessary intermediate components and simplifying the attachment mechanism
2Adaptability or versatility
If guide rails are made adjustable to accommodate different product sizes, then the conveyor system becomes more versatile, but the adjustment mechanism adds complexity to the attachment system
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment device incorporates dynamic elements through spring-loaded catches that can move along the T-slot to different positions. This dynamic capability allows the guide rail to be adjusted to various positions along the conveyor beam while maintaining a simple clamp-based structure without complex adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded catch mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides secure attachment to the T-slot, enables positional adjustment along the beam, and maintains constant clamping force through the spring mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate adjustment mechanisms
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment of guide rails is used, then the system can be adapted to different products, but the installation and reconfiguration process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded catches automatically engage with the T-slot flanges when the clamp is positioned, eliminating the need for manual fastening operations. The spring force automatically secures the attachment, allowing rapid installation and reconfiguration without time-consuming manual adjustment steps
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates quick and secure installation of guide rails and sensors, enabling easy adjustment to different product sizes and configurations, reducing installation time and enhancing stability without the need for additional fasteners like T-slot nuts.
Implementation Method 1
The first catch is spring-loaded and can be pushed to a release position with an engagement button or that the second catch and the third catch are spring-loaded and can be pushed to a release position with an engagement button
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Conveyor beam attachment (2) adapted to be attached to a conveyor beam (41), comprising a first catch (5) adapted to engage one flange (43) of a T-slot (42) in the conveyor beam (41), and comprising a second and third catch (6, 7) adapted to engage the other flange (44) of the T-slot in conveyor beam (41 ), and where the first catch (5) or the second and third catches (6, 7) are spring-loaded. The advantage of the invention is that a guide rail can easily be mounted to and removed from a conveyor beam (41).